Thursday 30th April 2015
Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region, Robin Chapple MLC has called on the State Government to halt all land clearing in the vicinity of a newly discovered Bilby colony near Broome.
“The Environment Minister must act immediately to stop the clearing that is currently being carried out by Landcorp on the outskirts of Broome,” he said. 
Environs Kimberley has been monitoring the Bilby colony, which is comprised of at least ten burrows, for some time.
The patience of their staff was rewarded recently when camera trap footage showed Bilbies coming and going from the burrows throughout the night.
”The clearing, which is for an industrial estate, will see 400ha of native pindan woodlands bulldozed, and the Bilby colony is right in the midst of this,” Mr Chapple said.
“The Greater Bilby is officially recognized as Nationally Vulnerable and must be afforded the highest level of protection.
“This is a thrilling discovery, and is a strong indication that there may well be more Bilby colonies within the area earmarked for clearing. This simply must not be allowed to happen.
“I congratulate the diligence of Environs Kimberley staff Dr Malcolm Lindsay and Neil Hamaguchi in their stringent efforts to protect the colony.
“While I understand that environmental surveys have been carried out in the area, it seems the appraisal team missed this colony, or the Bilbies have moved in since.
“Regardless, all parties must now plan their future moves in light of this information.”
For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255.
Media liaison: Tim Oliver
Mobile: 0431 9696 25
